Early Lancias to go on show at the NEC

A 1917 35hp Theta (pictured) will be one of the star attractions as the Lancia Motor Club brings some of its rarest treasures to the Footman James Classic Motor Show, at the NEC from 16-18 November.

Produced from 1913-’18, the Theta was one of the first cars to be offered with an electrical system – including a horn, lights and a starter motor – as standard.

The vintage machine will be joined by the Freddie March Augusta Tipo 234 Special.

It was one of the team cars that won the 1935 JCC meeting at Brooklands. The car has an illustrious history that includes being driven round the Monaco GP circuit by Tazio Nuvolari in ’35, featuring in The Autocar that same year and competing in the first Goodwood Hillclimb in ’36.

By 1960 the supercharged racer was owned and raced by Roy Terry, before being snapped up by its current owner, Mike Wheeler, in ’84.

Both cars will be on display on the Lancia Motor Club stand.

Adding to the event’s Italian flavour will be the Lancaster Insurance Services' stand, which will be exhibiting three replica Italian Job Minis and putting Latin-themed prizes up for grabs.